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In a state of uncertainty, with income less than outlay? (2,1,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at a loss

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'with income less than outlay?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for at a loss that I've seen before include "Uncertain, puzzled" , "Completely puzzled, with no idea at all" , "Not knowing what to say or do - profitless" , "Totally bewildered" , "makes one puzzled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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